Management factors affecting preservation quality of grass silage: laboratory evaluation and on-farm case study

Abstract

Silage quality significantly influences livestock production costs and environmental impacts. This study assessed the fermentation quality, preservation losses, aerobic stability and microbial quality of grass silages under varying management practices, including compaction methods and additive treatments. In laboratory-scale, timothy and meadow fescue mixture was ensiled in 12-litre silos using three compaction methods (normal, loose, and normal followed by additional delayed compaction) and five additive treatments (control, homofermentative inoculant, heterofermentative inoculant, salt-based additive, and formic and propionic acid-based additive). Silage samples from three farms with aerobic stability issues were also analysed. In laboratory scale, chemical preservatives enhanced aerobic stability and minimized fermentation losses more effectively than biological inoculants. Heterofermentative inoculants increased acetic acid production, enhancing stability, while homofermentative inoculants had minimal impact on most parameters. Farm silages exhibited varied quality, with poor microbial quality linked with fast aerobic deterioration. Effective silage management practices, including oxygen limitation, proper compaction, and appropriate preservative application, are crucial to preventing spoilage and ensuring silage quality.